In a move to preserve the historic essence of the Silver City while addressing modern urban challenges, the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) has officially notified the Planning & Building Standard Regulations for the Old Areas, 2026.
This dedicated framework, published through a Gazette Notification today, targets the unique needs of Cuttack’s core historic neighbourhoods.
The regulations will govern 43 wards in the old city, acknowledging its organic evolution marked by narrow lanes, limited plot access, congestion, fragmented land parcels, and scarce parking. These factors have long hindered the application of the standard Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules, 2020.
By formalising this context-specific approach, the CDA aims to harmonise redevelopment with cultural preservation. The new rules introduce practical relaxations, including a reduced minimum access road width of 4.5 meters for small residential plots, adjusted setback requirements for non-high-rise structures, and recalibrated Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits to match the area’s dense, traditional built form.
This initiative, aligned with the Third Amendment to the Odisha Development Authorities rules, is set to boost redevelopment on smaller plots, enhance accessibility, promote organised parking, alleviate congestion, and simplify approvals and regularisations for residents. Ultimately, it provides legal clarity to foster compliant growth without eroding Cuttack’s heritage.
The Gazette Notification marks a pivotal step in making the old city more livable, resilient, and economically dynamic, ensuring its timeless character endures for future generations.
